Adjustable pack holder



Jan.- 15, 1957 J. T. DAVIDSON 2,777,690

ADJUSTABLE PACK HOLDER Filed Nov. 10, 1950 s Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig .1

' INVENTOR JOHN I DA wosogv 1957 J. T. DAVIDSON ADJUSTABLE PACK HOLDER 3Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 10, 1950 United States Patent ADJUSTABLE PACKHOLDER John T. Davidson, Dayton, Ohio, assignor to TheStandaif'dnilegister Company, Dayton, Ohio, a corporation ApplicationNovember 10, 1950, Serial No. 195,120

1 Claim. (Cl. 271-21) This invention relates to pack holders used inconjunction with recording apparatus to supply to and to receive fromsuch apparatus an assembly of superposed continuous record strips, andmore particularly to an adjustable pack holder.

In certain types of business machine work the continuous record stripsconsist of detachable series connected forms, the forms being separatedby transverse weakened lines. For convenience of handling, the strip isfolded on such transverse lines and becomes a pack from which the stripis fed to the business machine. Having been acted upon by the machine,the forms will in some instances be detached along the weakened linesand in other instances will be fed from the machine and refolded in packform.

This basic problem of pack storage, supply and refold is complicated bythe fact that the record strip ordinarily comprises multiple superposedcopies, including original, copy strips and interleaved carbon strips.All these strips, in superposed relation, are combined to make up thestrip unit or assembly acted upon in the machine which may embody pinwheel devices engageable with marginal perforations in the strip tocompel accurate registration of each set of forms.

Depending upon the objectives and requirements of the work being done,the strip handling problems may be more or less complicated. Thus, itmight be necessary to supply only one tray to hold a pre-combined andfolded strip to be fed to the machine, and a second tray into which thestrip is automatically refolded as it leaves the machine. If, however,the component parts of the strip are in individual packs, then separatetrays must be provided for each pack with the trays being suitablyarranged so that the strip elements are brought into superposed,registering relation as they enter the machine. Also, if it is desiredto separate the strip after it leaves the machine and to refold thecomponent parts still other trays and guides, suitably arranged, must beprovided.

It has heretofore been the practice to design and build a pack holderapparatus to meet the requirements of each particular user. Universal orstandard constructions have not been possible since it is seldom thattwo installations will be identical either as to the work to beperformed or as to the equipment with which the pack holder is to beused. Pack holding devices, therefore, are relatively expensive sincethey must be custom built. Further, the strip handling problems of theindividual user will not always be the same. If, however, he wishes tovary his mode of supply, separation and refold to achieve dilferentsystem results he must substitute an entirely new, suitably designed,pack holder.

Thus, the object of the present invention is to simplify theconstruction as well as the means and mode of operation of pack holdingequipment, whereby such apparatus may not only be economicallymanufactured, but will be more efiicient in use, adaptable to a widevariety of applications under varying conditions of use,

2,777,690 Patented Jan. 15, 1957 having relatively few parts and beingunlikely to get out of repair.

A further object of this invention is to obviate excesflexible andpracticable equipment for the supplying, sep-- arating and refolding ofcontinuous record strips than: has been known heretofore.

A further object of the invention is to supply pack holding equipmentwhich may be altered quickly and? without the exercise of special skillto suit the require-- ments of any system of operation.

Still another object of the invention is to provide for theconstruction,and reconstruction, of a pack holder structure in an infinite number offorms, utilizing relatively few parts of interchangeable and adjustablecharacter.

A further object of the invention is to provide an adjustable packholder possessing the advantageous struc tural features, the inherentmeitorious characteristics and mode of operation herein mentioned.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will morefully appear in the specification, the invention intended to beprotected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction,the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, ashereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, ortheir equivalents.

In carrying out the above objects there has been evolved a new means forfabricating pack holding, refolding and separating equipment, theequipment being manufactured for sale and shipment as a knock-down kitand comprising a greater or lesser number of standard parts capable ofassembly in various ways at the actual scene of use. The kit suppliedwill ordinarily comprise parts for a specific installation. Should therequirements change, however, the basic structure may be easily andquickly revised. Additional parts, if needed, can be requisitioned andsupplied from stock. All parts are adaptable and flexible in their useso that they may be variously and detachably interconnected simply bymeans of screws and nuts. Anyone can assemble, disassemble andreassemble the equipment, the only tools required being a screw driverand a wrench.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein is found the preferredbut obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of theinvention,

Fig. l is a perspective view of a table model pack holder;

Fig. 2 is a portion of the pack holder equipment illus-- trating afeature of adjustability;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the basic pack holder of Figl, modified toprovide multiple pack holders for use with typewriters;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on lines i-4- of 3;

Fig. 5 is a side view of a floor model built up from that shown in Fig.l and Fig. 3 to provide refolding means for a table or desk mountedrecording machine;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the continuous strip carrying meansand the adjustable mounting therefor;

Fig. 7 is a side View of a structure fabricated from the interchangeableparts to provide a floor model for pack holding, refolding, and carbonseparation;

Fig. 8 is a side view of an application similar to that of Fig. 7 butfabricated for use with a center well desk:

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view of brace means; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view of a support for the pack holder. 7

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughoutthe several views.

Referring to the drawings, the object of the pack holding apparatus isto properly dispose one or more trays 11 to hold or to receive portionsof a multi-copy continuous record strip S fed to and from a businessmachineflas the typewriter T shown in Fig. 3. Each tray 11 isconstructedtwith a relatively long back portion 12, and, at right anglesthereto, a foot portion 13.v To extend the length of the backportion 12,an extension member 14 is slidably mounted thereon by pin and slotconnections 15. For accurate aligning of the formpack in a lateralsense, guide members 15 are mounted on the back portion 12 by pin andslot connections 17' for relative adjustment in a transverse sense. Thelength of foot portion 13 maybe increased by pulling out an extension 18mounted thereon by pin and slot connections 19.

The tray liis accordingly constructed and arranged to receive acontinuous record strip, folded pack form, and is adjustable in variousways to accommodate strips of varying form lengths and widths as well aspacks of varying height.

The tray 11 is directly engaged and supported by clamp devices each madeup of an inner and outer bracket 21 and 22. With particular reference toFigs. 1, 2 and 4 the brackets 21and 22 are similarlyconstructed, havingoppositely disposed. turned over ends 23 and 24, With-theinner bracket21 embraced by or received in the bracket 22. As so arranged, inconjunction with a tray 11, a pair of brackets 21 and 22 extends acrossthe right angle cornerdefined at the junction of back portion 12 andfoot portion 13, with the corresponding side edges of such portionsbeing received between the turned over ends 23 and 24 of the brackets.It will be understood that one clamping device including a pair ofbrackets 2iand22 will ordinarily be provided on each side of a tray 11.

The brackets 21 and 22. of each pair are held in clamping engagementwith the tray by a screw 25 passed through registering openings 26 and27 in the respective brackets 21 and 22, the opening 27 being formed asa slot in order that bracket 22 may be adjusted relatively to thebracket 21 to compensate for irregularities in the formed-tray 11,variation of metal thickness and the like.

In the brackets 21 and 22 alongside the registering openings 26 and 27,and inclined with respect thereto,

is a second pair of openings 28 and 29 having the same formation as thefirst pair. The set of openings 26 and 27 and the set of openings 28 and29 are used alternatively, in accordance with the desiredposition ofangulan'ty it is desired to achieve in the tray 11. Additional sets ofsimilar mounting holes may be provided in the brackets 21 and 22 but twowill ordinarily'suttice, particularly when it is considered that byreversing the tray, as

suggested in Fig. 2, two additional positions for the tray may behad,-giving four in all. 7

The clamping devices aresupported, either directly or indirectly, byframe members or stanchions 31, these members being cut or formed invarying lengths and having a longitudinal series of regularly spacedopenings 32. In the direct installation of a clampingndevice' upon astanchion 31, a round head screw 25 is passed through a selected opening32 in the stanchion 31 andthen caused to project through a set ofopenings 26 and 27 or 28 and 29 in the clamping device, following whichan acorn nut 33 is turned down upon the projecting end .ofthe screw intoclamping engagement with the outer bracket 22.

In the indirect installation of the clamping devices, a T-shapedmounting member 34 is used, formed in both portions thereof withopenings35 corresponding in size and spacing to the openings 32. In thisinstance, there fore, one portion of the T-member 34 is fastened to astanchion 31 while the other projects at right angles to the stanchionand mounts a clamping device arid .tr'ay 11', screws 25 and acorn nuts33 being used to. accomplish.

such installation, the same as in the previously. described n tnce- Alsothrough use" of the T -m embers 34, andby' direct connection to oneanother, the, stanchions 31 may he variably interconnected to form asupporting framework for the trays. To locate such framework withrespect to a desk or the like, and to protect the desk, there may e usedcushioned feet 36 detachably connected, as by Wing nuts 37, to C-clamps33 fastened by the screws 25 and nuts 33 to selected locations on thestanchions 31 .(see Fig. 10).

In some instances; as to assist in separating the strip into itscomponent carbon and copy elements, strip guiding and supportingmembersin thef'orm of chutes 39 may be provided. The chutes 39 areconstructed as thin,

slightly arcuate plates and are supplied in several lengths. As' shownin Fig. 6, each chute is a fabricated element having attached to itsunderside, at each side edge, a lamination 4 1 longitudinally offset todefine a marginal recess 42. In the installation of the chutes 39, aclamping device is associated with each side edge of-the chute, suchdevice comprising triangular brackets 43 and 44. Outer bracket 43 has aturned over flange to be received in the recess 42 and inner bracket 44has a similar flange 4610 engage the underside of the lamination 41.Opposite their flanged ends the brackets 43 and 44 have. mounting holes47 (Fig. 6) and intermediate their ends the brackets are formed witharcuate slots 48. Arranged with their holes 47 and slots 48 in registry,the brackets assume the positions shown in Fig. 6, with the flanges 4-5and 46 thereof embracing the offset portion of lamination 41. Tocompensate for manufacturing: and fabricating irregularities, themounting hole 47 and slot 48in the bracket 44 are made oversize withrespect 'tothe corresponding holes in the bracket 43. Thus, the brackets4-3 and 44 are relatively adjustable for proper clamping engagement withthe chute 39.

The mounting of the brackets 43 and 45 is accomplished throughthe screws25 and acorn nuts 33, and they may 'be supported either directly by thestanchions 31 or by stanchion extensions ifiwhich are ofiset toaccommodate chutes 39 of greater width, these being used adjacent thetypewriter where lateral motions of the strip, resulting from lateralmovements of the typewriter carriage, are manifested. The extension 49has openings 51- corresponding in size and spacing to the openings 32vin the stanchions 31. In installing the brackets 43 and 44 thereon, ascrew- 25 is passed through an opening 51' and through the bracket holes47. When the brackets have been adjusted about the pivot so provided tothe desired position of angularit an acorn nut- 33 is turned down uponthe projecting end of the screw.- The next adjacent opening 51inextension 49 registers with brackebslots 43 and a screw and nutconnectionasirnilarlyis made through this opening and these slots; theacorn nut being tightened down after the brackets have been angularlyadjusted. It will be understoodthat the slots 48 provide for a two-pointattachment of the brackets 43 and 44 to the extension 49 while at thesame time permitting relative angular adjustment of the brackets so thatthe chutes'may be made to assume a variety of inclined positions.

The brackets 43 and 44 'areattachable in similar manner directly to thestanchions 31-. In either instance. the desired arrangementof chutes 39may be such as to require --use of successive installation holes 32 or51. In this event, asshown inFigs. :5, 6 and 7, one of theinstallationholes, and" screw 25. therein. is made common to themounting holes 47 of one set of brackets and the slots-48-oftheotherset-Of brackets. 'Also, as shown in Fig.5, adjacent sets-of chutebrackets may be mounted from opposite sides of the stanchion orstanchion extension.-

The chute'brackets mayalso be mounted in laterally projecting vrelationto th e stanchion or stanchion extension, as shown in'Fig; 7. In this:instance, there is but a single point'of attachment, that is, at themounting longitudinally adjusted position. Due to the single point ofattachment, the brackets and chute 39 carried thereby tend to rock aboutthe pivot established by the screw 25 in the mounting holes 47. Asindicated in Fig. 7, however, some part of the assembly is allowed toabut the framework or an especially installed screw 25 to achieve andmaintain the desired angular position of adjustment of the chute.

The pac.: holder framework may be strengthened through the use of tierods 52 (see Fig. 6) or sway braces 53 (see Fig. 9) or both. Further, inthe place or" or in connection with the cushioned feet 36 there may beused hooks 54 (Fig. 10) detachably engageable with a ledge or likeportion of the typewriter desk, the hooks 54 being associated with Cclamps the same as the feet 36.

The several views, Figs. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 illustrate a few of the waysin which the described parts can be assembled, these being some of themore commonly used arrangements for strip supplying, separating andrefolding functions. In view of the preceding discussion of the partsand of the manner in which they are interconnected, a detaileddescription of the illustrated pack holder arrangements is thought to beunnecessary.

Briefly, however, Fig. 1 shows a basic arrangement wherein the frameworkconsists of a pair of stanchions 31 horizontally disposed as braces andresting on corner feet 36. T-memoers 34 are fastened to the braces independent direction and mount brackets 21 and 22 which in turn engageand support a tray 11. Used either for supply or refolding, the trayllis positioned to hold the record strip.

In Fig. 3, the basic assembly of Fig. 1 is retained but there is addedto the structure vertical stanchions 31 directly supporting a pluralityof trays 11 in such manner that the packholder presents a verticalseries of trays, one over the other. As here indicated, this arrangementlends itself to an operation in which each tray 11 holds a componentpart of the strip, with the parts being brought together and fed as asingle strip to the pin wheel platen on the typewriter.

Figs. 5, 7 and 8 are less easily described since they depict relativelycomplex arrangements wherein the parts of the strip are separated andrefolded according to various work objectives and in conjunction withdifierent space and typewriter position requirements. In all instances,however, it is to be seen that the framework is selectively and flexiblyconstructed, using the stanchions 31, T-members 34, extensions 49, tierods 52 and braces 53, and that trays 11 and chutes 59 are carried bythe framework by the means and through the connections previouslydescribed.

Fig. 8 may benefit by some explanation since it shows a somewhatdifferent use for a set of brackets 43-44, and illustrates the packholding equipment as constructed for use in connection with a centerwell type typewriter desk. Thus, a clamping device 43 -44 is mounted ona stanchion extension 49 with a screw 25 through the slots 48 but notthrough a hole 51 in the extension. A relatively long chute 39 projectsforwardly from the clamping device toward the typewriter, the chute andclamping device thus tending to rock by force of gravity in a clockwisedirection. The screw 25, however, in the slots 48, engages the edge ofthe extension 49 and holds the chute in the position indicated. Prior toclosing the desk, this overhanging chute is lifted counterclockwise outof the path of the automatically rising top desk panel.

As also illustrated in Fig. 8 a clamping device 43-44 may be suspendedfrom a chute 39 by the flanges 45 and 46 with the mounting holes 47 ofopposed, companion, devices supporting a tie rod 52 over which the stripS or part thereof may be guided. Clamping devices so arranged are shownattached to the overhanging chute 39 above described, thus providing aguideway parallel to the chute and in similarly projecting relation tothe main framework.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thusprovided a device of the character described possessing the particularfeatures of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but whichobviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions,detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from theprinciple involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention ha beendescribed in language more or less specific as to structural features,it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificfeatures shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosedcomprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into efiect.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

Apparatus for the building of record strip holding and receiving traystations and guides to and from such stations, including stanchionelements each presenting regularly spaced apart mounting holes over itsfull length, first and second sets of clamp devices for installation insaid mounting holes, trays gripped and held by said first devices, andguides gripped and held by said second devices, said stanchions beingselectively interconnected to define a desired framework and said clampdevices being selectively installed along the stanchions of saidframework to locate and to receive said trays and said guides, saidapparatus comprising a universal kit of interchangeable parts for theselective construction of adjustable pack holders.

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